Snow-capped peaks, like silver thread, flash in the sunlight while muted strands of desert contrast against turquoise waters and varying shades of cultivation. India invites the world to come and sample the essence of a truly mesmerizing nation.

Mumbai city at night (Bombay), India

Mumbai spreads over a cluster of islands hugging the mainland and looking out to the Arabian Sea. Located about half way up the west coast of the subcontinent, Mumbai takes title for financial capital of India and as such, is a booming city of great size and prestige. Aside from the art galleries, fine dining and fabulous shopping, Mumbai proposes some excursions to steal your breath away. Landmarks like the Gateway of India and the magnificent Taj Mahal Hotel are among some of the sensational sights to be encountered. A good many churches, temples, and shrines such as the Haji Ali located on a nearby island, present interesting views into the many beliefs systems of the country. Another island hop to the temple caves of Elephanta Island will give you a glimpse of an 8th century shrine to Shiva noted for its enormous rock sculptured figures of sacred Hindu deities. There are more caves at Kanheri. The quaint Matheran hill station and the beach resorts of Madh Island and Manori offer nearby getaways.

India's capital city is situated in the north only two hundred kilometres from the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. Delhi, now in its eighth incarnation as a city, provides a tremendous opportunity to peel back the layers of time by visiting monuments and structures from centuries past. No matter what turn you take, every street leads to discovery and fascination. Explore bazaars, shop and test delectable Indian fare, but don't miss the leaning tower, Qutb Minar, built around 1199 and made from sandstone and marble. It rises up near the Might of Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. The impressive Red Fort of the 16th century Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan is also worthy of a visit. Humayun's Tomb, the Puranan Qila, and the impressive government complex, Rashtrapati Bhavan, framed by the Secretariats and the circular Parliament House are remarkable tributes to the nation's heritage. Old Delhi, New Delhi, no matter which, the place is packed with the sights and sounds of centuries of living.

Sea Villager in Goa, India

After all these years, Goa is still a magnet for international travellers seeking 'coconuts in paradise'. Pleasing beaches and picturesque towns and villages charm all those who venture to this region of the Western Ghats, itself a mountainous area of dense tropical rainforest cut by fast flowing streams and rugged valleys. Scattered near Panaji, are a number of historical sites: lying in ruins, the ancient Hindu city of Goa; the old Portuguese capital, now nearly abandoned but still celebrated for its ornate 16th century churches. These include the Basilica of Bom Jesus (a converted mosque), the magnificent cathedral established by the Portuguese conqueror Afonso de Albuquerque in 1511, and the convent of St. Francis of Assisi.

Agra

Not too far south from New Delhi lays yet another glimpse of India's illustrious history. In Agra, the ancient capital city of the Mughal Empire (1526-1707), one finds the one and only Taj Mahal. The magnificent marble mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife, who died giving birth. The surrounding gardens offer plenty of green space to relax in the shade while you gaze at the splendid monument, stark white against the deep blue sky. The tomb is without doubt, the finest example of 17th century Islamic architecture. A world heritage site, the Taj Mahal is synonymous with India.

Southwest of New Delhi, on a dried lakebed, stands Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state. Dubbed the Pink City since 1875, Jaipur holds a number of treasures, not the least of which is Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of the Winds. The ornate facade of the multilevel palace was designed with filigree-type openings that allowed the women of the royal court to watch the street below without being seen. Hawa Mahal is in the old walled section of Jaipur. Jantar Mantar, built in 1728, should not be passed over, for it is the largest and best-preserved antique observatory in India. The sundial is 30 meters (98 feet) tall and its shadow moves 4 meters (13.1 feet) every hour. For a truly different experience, take an elephant ride up to the Amber Fort. While in Jaipur, live a little of the its glorious past among the many palaces and nearby forts.

The British created this eastern seaboard city over 350 years ago. Today, it is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, a region noted for its magnificent ancient temples and site of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. In Chennai, historical landmarks echo the period with names like Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church and San Thome Cathedral. Trumpeting the pride of the nation are names like Kapaleeswarar Temple and Parthasarathy Temple. Marina Beach beckons the footsore travelers weary of wandering the many churches and temples. The National Art Gallery and the artist's village of Cholamandalam display their works for the pleasure of the viewing public.

Kerala, Backwaters, India

The state of Kerala, on India's southwest coast, is endowed with lush greenery, great beaches, quaint coastal towns and hillside retreats. The town of Trichur is the site of one of India's most ancient temples where a festival is not complete without a procession of decorated elephants. The state capital of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) is located almost at the tip of the subcontinent. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the unusual Napier Museum and the Chitra Art Gallery are some of its attractions. The southernmost town, at the very tip of Indian, is Kovakulam-a beach resort town. Alleppey is the city guarding the scenic backwater country of the Malabar coast, famous in its day for spice production. Cochin, just up the coast, supplies access to the coral islands and pristine beaches of the Lakshadweep.

Madurai, located in southeast India, has been a religious and cultural center for nearly 2,000 years, and is one of the oldest settlements in India. A popular site for religious pilgrimages, Shree Meenakshi Temple is one of India's largest and most important religious centres. It covers 6 hectares (14.8 acres) and receives as many as 10,000 people per day. The collection of tower-gates represents the most dominant feature of this temple complex.

Calcutta is the natural starting point for travels in eastern India. The massive metropolis is situated at the top of the Bay of Bengal and just west of Bangladesh. The Ganges river and its tributaries spill down from the Himalayan mountains, across the region and into the massive delta of the Sundarbans. From Calcutta numerous destinations such as the hill station of Darjeeling, the lush Brahmaputra Valley and the unspoilt hill states of the northeast are accessed. Before heading off however, be sure to discover the allure of Calcutta. This city has blossomed into a vibrant cultural, artistic, and intellectual center of 20th-century India. A good time to visit Calcutta is during the Durga Puja celebration (October/ November) when Calcutta is decorated and alive with good cheer.

Udaipur is nestled in the heartland of Rajasthan state and thus, a perfect base for travel in the Aravalli hillside area. The city and surrounding countryside has enough ancient temples and palaces, museums, parks and gardens, monuments, lakes, a zoo, to keep you and your family occupied for weeks. Shilpgram is living artisan's village well worth a visit. Rural artisans and folk artists live, work and perform in this village spread out over 55 acres among the hills. Udaipur is great place to experience the folklore and extravagant royalty of a bygone era.

This is the principal city of Gujarat state on the northwest coast. The man of peace, Mahatma Gandhi's ashram and memorial museum is situated on the banks of Sabarmati river. The Great Mosque, Jama Masjid is also nearby, but that is only the beginning of the rich cultural heritage on display in this area. Ahmedabad is an important commercial centre for textile manufacturing and as such draws a veritable frenzy of workers from every corner of India. The excitement and rush of this crowded city with all its monuments, museums, temples and on and on, will leave you breathless.

High on the Mysore plateau in the southern portion of the country, Bangalore, state capital and cosmopolitan city, attracts many people for its fine climate, profuse gardens and modern residential developments. Bangalore grew around a fort established in 1537 but now, Bangalore boasts a population of around 3 million. Bangalore is where fine minds are invited to study by any number of noted educational and research institutes residing here. Bangalore is base to the Indian space program and home to a thriving high-tech industry. Bangalore is also justifiably proud of the landmark palace of the maharaja of Mysore. Bangalore has temples. Bangalore has gardens. Bangalore has something for everyone. Bangalore is also known as Bengaluru.